738. Buy Homes, Not Shoes—Empowering, Educating and Supporting Women

“I’m six feet tall and wear a size 12 shoe, so it was always hard for me to find shoes that fit. When I realized that Wall Street was no longer where I wanted to spend the rest of my career, I came up with the idea of launching a footwear line for women like me who had larger than average feet. I researched the niche extensively, wrote a business plan, financed most of it myself and got a small business loan. Then I found a talented designer, and found an agent in New York who worked with Brazilian factories. I traveled all over the country taking our brand to the different shoe shows. I loved it!”

“I finally came to terms with the fact that Wall Street was not what I was meant to do. I took all kinds of tests and talked to several coaches and just kept searching for the answer. Then one day I was talking to my friend, David, and I asked if he had always wanted to work on Wall Street. He said, no, he’d always had his heart set on being a musician, but he had kids and a family and decided that this was it for him. At that moment I realized that I did not want this to be it for me!”

“I was blessed to have a childhood where there was always family around—grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. It was amazing because there was so much love and so much connection. When I look back on my life, my confidence and everything I am today I can attribute to my family who were always there for me, always supportive, and continue to be.”

1. Family and friends want the best for you, but they are only one source of feedback. Reach out to others in industries or professions that interest you—pick their brains about their experiences in their field. People love to share.

2. Do not be afraid to change course if you find yourself mired in work that is not fulfilling. Do your homework regarding other opportunities.

3. You never want to look back on your life and say to yourself: “I wonder what would have happened if I had done that instead.” Do it!